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Hogwarts OverExposed - Salazar\'s Return	By : Neil Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female Views: 10701 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 22
- 23
- 24
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and
situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not
limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner
Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement
is intended.

Hogwarts OverExposed - Salazar's Return

�But Muggle technology isn�t
foolproof,� Hermione maintained. �Electricity can fail and computers develop
glitches and programs stop working.�

�Certainly all that is feasible,� Dr. Soderbergh admitted, but we have taken
every conceivable precaution. We have a secondary backup system in place and
even that system has built in fail-safes.�

�Nothing can be made one hundred percent foolproof,� Hermione insisted.

�I agree,� the doctor conceded with a deep sigh, �but we have done everything
wizardly possible to insure the integrity of our security system. We feel
confident that we are prepared for any eventuality. For our system to fail it
would have to be a case of deliberate systematically planned sabotage.
Honestly,� he laughed, �who would ever consider such an act of hostility against
a zoological park?�

At this statement, Ron, Harry and Hermione exchanged troubled looks.

Chapter Twenty-three

No Where to Go

Dr. Soderbergh suggested that they all sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery,
since the drive to the hotel, which was located near the center of the circular
shaped island, would require about twenty-five minutes time. Hermione, though,
glanced briefly at the vehicle�s speedometer and then made some quick mental
calculations.

�Doctor, is the entire coast line of the island secured by electrified wards
and spells?� she questioned. �The expense to install nearly one hundred twenty
miles of such high tech security would seem to be astronomical.�

Dr. Soderbergh appeared momentarily dumbfounded by Hermione�s knowledgeable
query, but quickly regained his composure. �I see that the accounts of your
intelligence are not over exaggerated,� he replied with an indulgent smile.

�Our original strategy was to fully enclose the island, but as you surmised,
the cost was plainly overwhelming. Instead we opted to divide the island in
half,� he explained. �Creatures with a classification of XXX or below are
allowed to freely roam this on side of the island; those categorized XXXX and
above are secured beyond the barrier.�

�What about the outer limits?� she asked nervously. �What prevents the beasts
from swimming by way of the ocean to this side or for that matter leaving the
island entirely?�

�Most of our creatures are not well adapted to swimming, but still we have
erected barriers that extend well into the ocean so that they cannot reach this
side of the island. As for leaving the island entirely� There is no place to
go,� Soderbergh emphasized. �This is a remote uncharted island. Furthermore the
beasts such as dragons and griffins, that can fly, are maintained in separate
areas from which escape by flight is out of the question.�

�It seems that you�ve covered every eventuality,� Hermione conceded, although
her voice did not sound as yet completely convinced.

�We feel that we have,� Dr. Soderbergh proclaimed confidently.

Although the contestants from both teams had gotten to know each other
remarkably well throughout the course of the year, they nevertheless had still
chosen to group as teams for the ride to the hotel. Caitlin had been searching
for signs of any magical creatures, not paying much attention to the other
occupants of her transport vehicle.

�This place is worse than a Muggle zoo,� Caitlin commented, turning to truly
look at Kim for the first time since they had climbed into the land rover.
�There is too much ground covering in which to hide. I haven�t seen a single
beast yet.�

She stared at Kim incredulously. �Why are you sitting with your hands like
that?� Caitlin asked.

Kim was sitting with her left hand covering her crotch and her right hand and
arm held across her chest.

�Didn�t you feel it?� Kim asked.

�Feel what? Caitlin rejoined.

�Every so often I feel a strange twinge,� Kim explained. �I think it�s from the
electrified wards. I�m afraid they might cancel out the concealment charm.
Remember how the Hogwarts wards affected you and Emily last summer?�

Caitlin laughed.

�What�s so funny?� Kim asked indignantly.

�You,� Caitlin answered. �You�ve gone on a nudist cruise and have been seen
naked by numerous people since then; you�ve even had nude posters of yourself
displayed throughout the castle, yet you�re still shy and modest about your
body. Personally, I�d much prefer being seen nude than in this degrading,
provocative costume.� She glanced down at her own body.

�Yeah, I guess I am being rather silly,� Kim responded, dropping her arms to
her side. �If Nora can get comfortable with being seen naked by Bancroft, I
should stop acting all timid and shy.�

�Nora?� Caitlin questioned, a perplexed expression on her face. She turned her
head and glanced to the rear seat of the vehicle where Nora was sitting
snuggled next to, of all people, Dick Bancroft. They were holding hands and
Dick�s other arm was around the normally timid girl�s shoulder.

�I don�t believe it,� Caitlin gasped. �Nora and Bancroft; talk about opposites
attracting.�

�Yeah! But at least she has someone,� Kim replied mournfully.

�I�m not sure if I�d be jealous if I were you,� Caitlin answered. �Unless
Bancroft does a one-eighty, I think I�d prefer to be unattached rather than
with him. Besides, what do you mean? I thought you were still dangling two boy
friends?�

�Past tense,� Kim replied sadly. �I�m afraid that I screwed that up big time.
Randy dumped me because I couldn�t make a choice between him and Brian. Then
Brian decided that although he had strong feelings for me, it was ridiculous
for the two of us to get serious at such a young age, especially with an ocean
normally separating us.�

�I�m sorry,� Caitlin said genuinely, �but I guess Brian does have a valid
point.�

�I know,� Kim admitted regretfully. �Plus, I think he has feelings for Debby. I
imagine she likes him too, but neither one of them will own up to it. They�re
best friends and I think both are afraid to jeopardize their friendship by
trying to be more.�

�Been there, done that,� Caitlin responded briskly. �Matt, Randy and I were
also best friends, now Matt and I barely speak.�

�But you have Evan and he adores you.�

�He is very special,� Caitlin said, a smile covering her face. �I know we
doubtless make a rather odd looking couple, but I don�t care.� She bit her lip
and then shook her head. �I think he might be the one. Of course, I once
thought that about Matt and was proved wrong. I guess only time will tell.�

�At least you have a chance to find out,� Kim replied disconsolately.

�You�ll find someone special,� Caitlin said encouragingly.

�All the good ones are already taken,� Kim responded dejectedly.

�Give it time. Relationships don�t always work out,� Caitlin said. �You and I
are living proof of that. Maybe a relationship will falter and one of those
so-called good ones will become available.�

�This bond won�t,� Kim said, �and I don�t want it to. They�re perfect together.
It�s just that when he touched me, I thought I would melt.�

Caitlin gave Kim a penetrating look. �Exactly whom are we talking about?� she
asked concernedly.

Kim hesitated and then replied uncomfortably, �Tyler.�

�Emily�s Tyler?� Caitlin replied, horror-struck. �But she�s my sister; your
best friend.�

�I know,� Kim answered nervously. �That�s why you must promise to never tell
her. I�d sooner die than risk the possibility of losing her friendship.�

Caitlin stared penetratingly at Kim for a few moments then asked, �What did you
mean by him touching you? Were Tyler and you fooling around? Did he somehow
cheat on Emily with you behind her back?�

�Oh, no! Tyler would never deceive Emily. He adores her,� Kim insisted. �And
even if he wanted to, I�d never let it happen. It was all completely innocent.
Emily was even there when it happened.�

Caitlin stared at Kim, a look of total bewilderment impressed on her face. �I�m
confused. Perhaps you should tell me exactly what happened.�

Kim blushed crimson. �Did Emily tell you about the experimentation that we
conducted in Professor Weasley�s class?�

�Are you referring to when you took Polyjuice and all changed sex?� Caitlin
inquired.

Kim nodded meekly.

�I wish I had been able to do that,� Caitlin stated enviously. �Emily said it
was really neat getting to be a boy for a short time.�

�Sometimes I think Emily would have been happier being born a boy,� Kim sighed,
a trace of exasperation unmistakable in her voice. �I�ve never known a girl to
be so captivated by the male sex organ.�

�Yeah,� Caitlin agreed with a laugh. �Jamie says that Emily has been enthralled
by the male penis ever since she was a toddler. Her birth parents thought it
was just a phase that she would grow out of, but evidently she hasn�t. Anyway,
what does this all have to do with you and Tyler?�

�Well,� Kim began, �Tyler, Emily and I all took the potion together in the Room
of Requirement. We thought it would be amusing to watch each other transform,
but in reality it made us more nervous. Tyler didn�t like looking at us as
naked boys. It made him feel gay and Emily was uncomfortable with Tyler
checking out his temporary female form.�

�She told me about you substituting Denise�s hair,� Caitlin admitted
uncertainly. �That was a truly inspired prank, but I can understand Emily being
worried about Tyler getting to be so familiar with Denise�s body.�

�Isn�t it ridiculous? Emily actually regards Denise as a rival. You�d think
that by now she�d realize that Tyler has eyes for no one but her,� Kim
proclaimed. �Anyway, getting back to the testing. We were supposed to take
three doses of the potion and really get acquainted with our temporary bodies.
You know, touch and examine ourselves thoroughly, but Emily and Tyler both
wanted to cut the test short.�

�That surprises me,� Caitlin responded. �I would have expected Emily to enjoy
being in a boy�s body.�

�Oh, she did,� Kim replied, �but like I said, she was nervous about Tyler
getting too familiar with Denise�s figure. I hate to admit it, but Denise is
nicely proportioned.�

�I doubt either you or Emily have anything to agonize about,� Caitlin said.

�Maybe not,� Kim answered, blushing, �but Emily still considers herself a
tomboy. She has no idea how hot the boys think she is.�

�But Emily said you had to write a two foot parchment on body differences and
how your temporary features felt and reacted. How could you do that if you cut
the experiment short?� Caitlin asked.

�We examined each other,� Kim answered uncomfortably, her face blushing
copiously.

�You and Emily actually both examined and touched Tyler intimately?� Caitlin
asked, her face bearing a shocked expression.

Kim nodded meekly. �It got Tyler exceedingly excited having two girls touch him
simultaneously. He had sort of a mishap.�

Caitlin stared inquiringly at Kim; part of her wanting a full explanation of
just what Kim meant by an accident; the other part of her, in truth, preferring
to remain ignorant.

�When you finished with Tyler, did he examine you and Emily?� Caitlin asked
fretfully.

�Not exactly,� Kim began meekly. �It was necessary for both Emily and I to
examine Tyler because he was the only boy present, but there was no need for
him to inspect both of us; girls might be built differently, but the parts are
essentially the same.�

Caitlin sighed. �So he just inspected my sister while you sat back and
watched?�

�Not exactly,� Kim muttered. �Tyler and Emily thought that their close feelings
for each other would make it difficult to maintain a controlled situation.�

Caitlin was stunned. �Are you saying that he examined you?� she asked, taken
aback. �How did you feel about him doing that?�

�Scared and nervous,� Kim replied. �I�d never been touched intimately before,
but it somehow all seemed logical. This wasn�t sexual, we were doing research
for a class project and clearly Emily and Tyler would be unable to maintain a
methodical approach.�

�And you thought you could?� Caitlin asked, astonished.

�I did until he fingered me down there,� Kim confessed. �It might have been
totally scientific to him, but I didn�t want him to ever stop touching me. He
was so gentle and it felt so good.�

Caitlin was bowled over. �Exactly how far did you guys carry out this testing?�
she questioned apprehensively. �You didn�t do anything more than touch, did you?�

�No!� Kim answered. Although her voice was empathic, it also sounded slightly
disappointed. �We didn�t do anything more than what a person could do by
themselves.�

Caitlin pondered all this newly acquired information for a short time before
responding discreetly to Kim. �I�ve never been touched there by a boy. Evan
once innocently placed his hand on my bare upper thigh and that was enough to
cause me to break out in a nervous sweat. I can understand you being aroused,
but don�t be too swift to equate sexual arousal with love.�

�Do you think I was reacting more to what Tyler was doing to me than actual
feelings I have for him?� Kim asked.

�I don�t know,� Caitlin responded, shrugging her shoulders, �but you�re
currently in a terrible, no-win, position. The worst thing would be to react
without being sure of your true feelings. At this point you seem to have a lot
more to lose than to gain.�

�Yeah,� Kim agreed sadly. �I wish I had Divination so that I could see the
future in a crystal ball.�

�I have Divination and thus far all I�ve ever seen in the crystal is clouds and
my own reflection,� Caitlin sighed. �Trelawney says that my inner eye is
nonexistent. Mum and Dad told me not to fret about it. They say that I should
just live properly today and the future will take care of itself.�

�Look!� Jamie yelled excitedly, catching everyone�s attention. �It�s a Niffler
village.�

Dr. Soderbergh signaled and the three vehicles came to an abrupt halt.

�I wish all of our creatures were as obliging as those little buggers,�
Soderbergh said happily. �They build their towns right out in plain sight next
to the road. They actually seem to like people and attention.� The doctor
placed his wand at his throat in order to amplify his voice. �If you�d like to
get out and observe the Nifflers at close range, feel free to do so. I would,
however suggest that you first remove any shinny or glittery objects because of
the Nifflers� predilection for such objects.�

The Niffler is native to Britain. The animal is
fluffy, black and long-snouted. Although the Niffler is gentle and even
affectionate, because of its burrowing nature, it can be destructive to
belongings and should never be kept in a house. Goblins often keep Nifflers to
burrow deep into the earth for treasure.

�You�ll notice that we have a number of new pups,� the doctor announced. �Many
of our females recently gave birth to litters ranging in size from six to
eight.�

The students spent several minutes cuddling the newborns until they were
finally gathered back onto their conveyances.

�I know you�d like to spend more time with these lovable creatures,� Soderbergh
said kindly, �but we must be moving along. I would like you to have a few hours
to enjoy the many amenities the resort has to offer before we sit down to
lunch. Speaking of which, lunch will be served in the main dining room at one
o�clock. Please feel free to dress comfortably for lunch and the tour of the
park this afternoon. It is not necessary for you to wear your unique
competition uniforms.�

Rishard glared angrily at Soderbergh as if he had just uttered one of the three
unforgivable curses, but he resisted making any comments as they continued
their journey. After a few minutes more the vehicles passed through an ornate
gate and they got their first view of the beautiful sprawling resort hotel.

* * * * * *

�Wow! This room is great,� Caitlin exclaimed, canceling the concealment charm
as soon as the door closed behind her. �Look at the size of these beds. They
make our old four posters back at Hogwarts seem dinky.�

�They are by comparison,� Kim declared. �I imagine that these rooms are
designed to accommodate a family of four.� Kim likewise canceled her
concealment charm and then flung herself spread eagle onto one of the beds.
�This feels great. I could spend the rest of the day here.�

�Now that would be a waste of paradise,� Caitlin complained. �How can you think
of sleeping when we�re on a lush tropical island populated with the most
fantastic beasts in the world?�

�Can I help it if I enjoy a comfy bed?� Kim sighed, stretching contentedly.

�I wonder what kind of view we have,� Caitlin said approaching the closed
draperies. Then without warning bright sunlight filled the room as she flung
the window coverings open wide.

�Are you crazy?� Kim shrieked, quickly covering herself. �We�re naked. Close
those blinds before someone sees us.�

�What if they do?� Caitlin laughed. �We�re naturists. I�m not ashamed of being
seen nude. Besides, the resort is practically empty. Come here and look at this
gorgeous pool. The water is crystal clear.�

Kim slowly got off the bed and walked toward Caitlin dragging the bed coverings
with her to hide her bareness.

�We have three hours until lunch,� Caitlin declared. �Let�s go take a swim.�

�I don�t know about you, but I didn�t bring my bathing costume,� Kim stated. �I
guess I could wear a top and shorts or maybe even our hideous event costume.�

�What�s wrong with what you have on?� Caitlin inquired.

�How can I swim wrapped in a bed cover?� Kim asked.

�Don�t be silly,� Caitlin laughed. �The pool area is empty. Let�s skinny dip.�

�But it�s broad daylight,� Kim said hesitantly, �What if someone sees us?�

�Then we�ll ask them to join us,� Caitlin replied matter-of-factly. �The worst
that can happen is that someone will yell at us and make us get out of the
pool.�

Kim stared first at the pool, then at Caitlin and then once again back at the
pool. �Sometimes you�re as crazy as Emily,� Kim said shaking her head in
exasperation. �Why do I let you two talk me into your insane antics?� She
dropped the bed coverings to the floor. �Come on, let�s run and get in the
water before I come to my senses.�

Kim opened the sliding glass doors and without pause the two young girls
bounded toward the pool, jumping in without even first checking the water�s
temperature.

�The water is great,� Caitlin proclaimed.

�Yeah,� Kim agreed, looking toward the open door to their room, which now
seemed somewhat distant. She gulped. �We didn�t even bring towels with us.�

�The sun and air will dry us,� Caitlin said unworriedly. �Let�s swim for a
while and then lay out in the sun. I could use a little tan.�

�But what if someone comes along while we�re tanning?� Kim asked anxiously.

�That would be great,� Caitlin answered, excitedly. �Then maybe we could play
some pool games. There is a volleyball over there next to that lounge chair.�

�Yeah! That would be fun,� Kim replied, but her voice didn�t sound quite
overjoyed at the prospect.

The girls had been swimming for about ten minutes when a voice called out, �Is
this a private party or can anyone join?�

Emily and Kim looked up to see Brian and Debby standing at the pool edge, both
clad in towels. Brian�s towel was folded and concealed his body from waist to
knees. Debby�s was secured under her arms and extended to mid thigh.

Kim looked like she wanted to run and hide, but Caitlin just smiled and said,
�The more the merrier. Come on in.�

Brian gave Debby�s hand an encouraging squeeze. �You can do this,� he said.
�Just close your eyes and take a deep breath.�

A moment later, both towels were lying at the edge of the pool and the two
American students had joined Caitlin and Kim in the pool. It was no surprise
that Brian was nude, after all Kim and Caitlin had originally met him on a
naturist cruise, but Debby was also sans a swim costume.

�I�ve been trying to convince Debby to give naturism a try for years,� Brian
confessed as the four splashed happily about.

�I always thought he was just being a typical boy,� Debby added. �You know,
trying to get a peek at a girl naked. But during this contest I realized that
he honestly doesn�t consider nudity to be an important thing. Also, he�s been
so supportive of me. When he suggested that we join you guys today for a swim,
I decided to give it a try.�

Within the next thirty minutes, Kim and Caitlin were joined in the pool by all
but three of the remaining contestants. Only Jamie, Nora and Dick remained
absent. Although all the competitors from both teams had finally adopted using
the concealment charm rather than wearing the actual revealing team costume,
they were still not all completely comfortable with being seen totally nude.
Therefore, some of the contestants decided to wear swim costumes. A few of the
girls opted for a halfway approach; they kept their bottoms on but swam
topless.

�We wondered where everyone had got to,� Jamie called out as she approached the
pool accompanied by Nora and Dick. �How�s the water?�

�It�s great,� Caitlin confirmed. �Why don�t you three discard your clothes and
join us?�

Nora and Dick both exchanged nervous looks, but it was Jamie who spoke. �As
temping as that idea is, I�m not sure if it would be appropriate for me now
that I�m about to��

�What does you becoming a professor have to do with your being a naturist?�
Caitlin yelled. �You always taught me to be an individual and not to give in to
majority pressure. I never thought you�d be one to sell out.�

�I�m not selling out,� Jamie protested. �It�s just that��

�You�re selling out,� Nora protested. �You�ve spent the last year convincing me
to be brave and strong and now you�re the weak one. If you truly believe in
something deeply, you don�t just give up your beliefs for convenience sake.�

�But I have responsibility now; an image to maintain now,� Jamie insisted.

�Professors Potter and Granger don�t seem to have any trouble with getting paid
respect and the entire wizard world knows that they are practicing naturists. I
think you should listen to your own preaching. People should be judged on their
merit, not what they do or don�t wear. Dick and I are going to go swimming and
if you�re half the person I know you to be; you will too.�

Nora quickly discarded her blouse and jeans and was soon standing at the edge
of the pool wearing only her bra and knickers. She glanced impatiently at Dick.
�What are you waiting for? I thought you wanted us to do things together?� Nora
took a deep breath, unhooked her bra, slipped her knickers off and dove in the
pool.

Dick noticeably gulped and then quickly slipped out of his garments and
followed Nora into the pool leaving Jamie standing at the edge open-mouthed.

�It�s not really about being a naturist,� Caitlin said. �It�s more about
changing. You don�t fix something that isn�t broken. You�ve been a success your
entire life and everyone loves you just as you are. We all want you to be a
great professor, but we don�t want to lose the person we�ve loved and respected
in the process.�

Jamie smiled and said, �I love you Sis,� before slipping out of her blouse and
skirt and jumping naked into the pool.

* * * * * *

�Hurry and get dressed,� Kim bellowed. �Dr Soderbergh said that lunch was at
one o�clock.�

�He also said that we should dress comfortably for lunch,� Caitlin retorted.
�I�m quite comfy like I am.�

�If I didn�t know better, I�d think that Emily was channeling through you,� Kim
retorted. �She�s the one usually pushing the boundaries of nudism, not you.�

�I�m just pushing your button,� Caitlin answered back with a laugh. �I know I
can�t tour the park or eat lunch like this, but you have to admit that it would
be nice if we could.�

�Yeah,� Kim reluctantly agreed. �So what are you wearing? I�m going to dress in
a halter and shorts.�

Caitlin winced. �I don�t know how you can endure to wear jeans and shorts. I
hate rough restrictive clothing that rubs against my body.� She walked over to
her duffle bag and pulled out a brightly colored garment, effortlessly slipping
it on.

�That�s cute,� Kim commented, checking-out the vivid backless sundress. �But
isn�t it awfully short?�

�Actually, it�s intended to be worn as a bathing suit cover-up,� Caitlin
commented innocently as she checked herself out in the full-length door mirror.
She stretched her arms high over her head and turned around in a full circle to
see the effect this had on the garment�s already minimal coverage.

�Remind me to be certain and sit lady-like today and not climb any trees,�
Caitlin said, her voice sounding slightly guilty. �Dad gets nervous when I wear
exceptionally short outfits and this seems to have shrunk a good deal since I
last wore it.

The girls both applied hair-grooming charms and then rushed out the door and
headed toward the main dining room. As they entered the room, Hermione seemed
at first to glare at her teenage daughter. Caitlin smiled and tugged her ear in
greeting. Hermione gave an annoyed smile and tugged her own ear in return.

When everyone was lastly seated, Dr. Soderbergh got to his feet. �Again,
welcome to Fantastic Island. Before we begin our meal, I would like to quote a
few words from a dear friend. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment!
Tweak!

�Thank you!�

He sat back down. Everyone clapped politely, but most of the students bore
puzzled expressions on their faces. Harry�s eyes seemed to be watering.

�Did you know Professor Dumbledore?� Harry asked, his voice shaky.

�Rather well,� Soderbergh said, hanging his head sadly. �A great man, a great
wizard and a terrible loss to our world. I had the pleasure of working on several
projects with Albus and his partner, Nicolas Flamel, when I was a much younger
man. Throughout my life, I often sought out his counsel and opinion.�

Harry nodded his head sadly. After all these years, Harry still greatly missed
Dumbledore�s sage advice and guidance.

The meal served by the resort was sumptuous and rivaled the feasts provided at
Hogwarts. After everyone had finished dessert, Dr. Soderbergh got to his feet
again. The room fell silent.

�Ahem � just a few more words now that we have all satisfied our desire for
food. I�m quite pleased that the television network has decided to make use of
Fantastic Island as the location for the third task of your intercontinental
competition. Fantastic Island is the culmination of my life-long dream to
create a safe environment for wizard-kind to view the magical creatures of our
world.

�But this is in no way akin to a Muggle zoo. Our interactive park will never be
complete. Our goal is to educate you, entertain you, and at the same time
thrill you.�

Suddenly Soderbergh seemed a tad dejected. �Regrettably construction is running
slightly behind schedule and not all of our interactive attractions are
available for your enjoyment. Today you will only be able to experience our
Safari into Fantasy and Dragon Encounter rides, but I hope they will give you
an understanding of our ultimate goal.�

�Now if you�ll please follow me, we�ll proceed to Dragon Encounter. It�s a bit
of a walk, but Apparition is unfortunately not possible within the park.�

�Rides?� Kim questioned. �I wonder what he means by rides.�

Caitlin shrugged her shoulders. �Anything is better than walking around all day
looking at penned up creatures.�

Both Kim and Caitlin squinted as they walked out into the bright sunshine. �I
thought a heavy rain storm was predicted for today,� Caitlin said. �The weather
man must have been wrong again. There isn�t a cloud in the sky.�

�I wish there were,� Kim uttered nervously. �Caitlin, I don�t want to upset
you, but in this bright sunlight your dress is translucent.�

�Translucent? What do you mean translucent?� Caitlin asked.

�Transparent, see-through,� Kim repeated horror-struck. �You can see everything
and I mean everything. You might as well have remained nude.�

Caitlin appeared not to be the least bit disconcerted by this revelation.

�I guess it�s good then that we all went skinny dipping this morning,� she said
unconcernedly. �No one will be seeing anything they haven�t seen prior to this.
I wouldn�t want to embarrass anyone.�

Kim just stared dumbfounded at Caitlin. �Are you sure you�re not Emily using
Polyjuice?�

�I�m sure,� Caitlin laughed. �Unlike Emily, I wouldn�t, with intent wear
something that I knew was completely see-through, but I�m not going to scream
and go hide in embarrassment either. I�m comfortable with my body and with
people seeing it. I guess, though, that this explains why Mum gave me that
strange look when we entered the dinning hall for lunch. She must have known
this outfit would be transparent out in the bright sunlight. At the moment, I
doubt that she and Dad are extremely pleased with me.�

The walk to the entrance of Dragon Encounter took about fifteen minutes and
Caitlin could feel many eyes staring at her the entire time, but it didn�t
fluster her. She knew that nudity in and of itself was completely innocent.

�Wow!� Kim said as they approached the roped off queue area. �They must really
expect this place to be popular. Can you imagine being at the back end of a
line that long?�

�I�d rather not,� Caitlin said as they walked directly into the main door of
the large building in front of them. �This must be some sort of exhibit,� she
said, slightly disappointed. �They certainly don�t have any live dragons in
here.�

They continued down a long winding corridor until they finally came to a large
open area decorated to resemble a wooded area. There, they saw a platform and
next to it what resembled roller coaster cars on a track.

Once everyone was assembled, Dr. Soderbergh cleared his throat to get his or
her attention. �This will be our transportation for our encounter with dragons.
Each train holds twenty-four passengers, so we�ll all be able to ride together.
Please watch your step when boarding and be sure to pull the body restraint
down and secure your seat belt.�

�Harry, why do you think they have such a sophisticated restraint system?�
Hermione inquired. �It seems rather over-kill for a slow tour tram.�

�I imagine they just want to make sure that no one gets out while we�re in
motion,� Harry answered unconcernedly. �Even at a slow speed someone could get
hurt by trying to get off and then sue, plus people are so destructive
nowadays. I imagine it is also partly to prevent vandalism.�

�Dr. Soderbergh, everyone is secured,� said a security guard who had just
finished inspecting everyone�s restraints.

�Then let�s begin,� Soderbergh said expectantly.

The guard approached a panel and pushed a button. Immediately a traffic signal
on the wall turned from red to yellow, and then just as quickly to green.
Without warning heads hit the back of the cushioned seats as the coaster
straight away sped off.

It sounded like everyone was screaming. No one had anticipated a roller coaster
ride; especially not one that it seemed was instantly rocketing along at over
eighty miles an hour.

They were surrounded by total darkness. Without warning, a brilliant blue flame
temporarily blinded Hermione and then the coaster went into a spiraling
corkscrew. It shot down one hill and then up another until it was totally inverted.
Hermione was about to close her eyes when she saw two huge deep red eyes
staring at her before the coaster was again blasted with flame.

It was the longest thrill ride that any of them had ever experienced; at every
peak and valley they were greeted by the sound of horrible roars and the blast
of furnace-like flames. Finally the coaster slowed dramatically and everyone
thought they were returning to the starting point, put instead they entered a
glass like tunnel and were suddenly basked in dazzling sunlight. As their eyes
tried to adjust to the bright light, a voice emanated from speakers embedded in
their head rests.

�We hope you enjoyed the first part of Dragon Encounter, Flying with the
Dragons, a simulated dragon flight. We are now entering Land of the Dragons.
The tunnel through which we are now traveling is made from one of the strongest
polymers known to man; it is fireproof and virtually indestructible. The
material has been magically charmed so that we can see out and study the dragons
in their natural habitat, but so that the dragons cannot see us.

Our journey begins in a lush valley of New Zealand, home to the Antipodean
Opaleye. Unusually for a dragon, it dwells in valleys rather than mountains.�

Caitlin gasped. They were about to pass within a few yards of a female Opaleye
who was nesting on a group of pale grey eggs.

�The Antipodean Opaleye is of medium size, just between two and three tons. It
is arguably the most beautiful type of dragon with its iridescent, pearly
scales and glittering, multi-colored, pupil-less eyes, hence its name. This
dragon produces a very vivid scarlet flame. By dragon standards it is not
particularly aggressive and rarely kills unless hungry. Compared to the
Hungarian Horntail it could actually be considered docile.�

Harry felt a brief shiver at the mention of the Horntail. He still vividly
remembered his encounter in fourth year with a very angry Horntail.

The tunnel went dark briefly as the coaster began to climb slightly.

�I think we�re going from one enclosure to another,� Hermione commented. �It�s
clever how they�ve avoided us seeing any barriers between the dragons.�

�Great Britain is the native home of two dragon types,� the programmed voice
continued. �You will need to watch carefully in order to spot the Common Welsh
Green because it blends well with the lush grass of its homeland.�

Kim nudged Caitlin and pointed to a pair of dragons barely visible in the tall
grass.

�This breed is among the least troublesome of the dragons, preferring like the
Opaleye, to prey on sheep and actively avoid humans unless provoked. The Welsh
green has an easily recognizable and surprisingly melodious roar. Fire is
issued in thin jets. The Welch Green�s eggs are earthy brown, flecked with
green.�

�I wish Hagrid was alive to see this place,� Hermione said, her voice
melancholy.

�Yeah!� agreed Harry sadly. �He loved Baby Norbert.�

The journey continued for another fifteen minutes as they visited Norwegian
Ridgebacks, Ukrainian Ironbellies and many other breeds, including the most
dangerous of dragons, the Hungarian Horntail.

What no one had become conscious of during the journey was that as they had
progressed from breed to breed, they had also climbed higher and higher. Dragon
Encounter ended as it began, with an exhilarating coaster ride that started
with the highest coaster drop in the world.

�That was terrific,� Kim exclaimed to Caitlin as they exited the ride. �I�ve
been to zoos and amusement parks, but that was the best of both places.�

Doctor Soderbergh beamed brightly as he listened to the students talk excitedly
and lavish prase on the Dragon Encounter experience.

�They certainly seemed to all enjoy the event,� Harry said, shaking the
Doctor�s hand in congratulations. �If the rest of the park is half as exciting,
I�d say you have a guaranteed success on your hands.�

Hermione was still trying to catch her breath, but nodded in agreement.

�We wanted to be more than just a wizard version of a Muggle zoo,� Soderbergh
elucidated. �Even looking at the rarest and most interesting of magical
creatures can become, after a time, boring, especially to teenagers.�

�I doubt that anyone will ever consider that experience boring,� Hermione
commented, trying unsuccessfully to adjust her wind blown hair.

�In time we plan to have over a dozen such rides,� Doctor Soderbergh remarked.
�Unfortunately, only four will be completed when the park initially opens and
of those four only one other is available for you to enjoy today.�

�Is it another coaster type ride?� Hermione asked apprehensively.

�No,� Soderbergh replied with a grin, noting Hermione�s obvious nervousness.
�This is more like a safari ride. We�re working on some ideas to make it fairly
exciting, but they aren�t ready to implement as of yet.�

As they followed the signs toward Fantastic Safari, Caitlin noticed that Debby
and Brian seemed to be lagging behind, but she declined to point this out to
Kim feeling it might be upsetting to the girl.

�Dr. Soderbergh,� Ron asked uncertainly. �You mentioned that Fantastic Island
was the home to nearly all of the beasts described in Newt Scamander�s book.
Does that mean that you have Acromantula?�

�Oh yes!� Soderbergh answered animatedly. �We started out with only one couple,
but now we have one of the largest colonies in the world. It would undoubtedly
be even larger, but the creatures have the unfortunate habit of sometimes
feeding on their young.�

Ron quaked. Although Ron had often in the past showed his outstanding bravery,
when it came to any type of spiders, he was an admitted coward.

�Don�t tell me that you�re afraid of spiders,� Rishard Simone, barked
teasingly. �I thought members of the covenant of three were purportedly
fearless?�

Ron resisted pouncing on the obnoxious twerp. As much as he would inwardly like
to crush Simone, he had the image of a Hogwarts professor to maintain.

�You�d be fearful of Acromantula, too if you�d experienced them at close range
as Ron and I have,� Harry responded angrily. �You�re hardly someone to pass judgment
on another�s manliness.�

�Well, I never!� Rishard spouted haughtily. He placed his hands on his hips and
walked temperamentally away from Ron and Harry.

�I swear, one of these days I�m going to kill that little fag,� Ron cursed.

�I�m afraid you�ll have to take a number,� Hermione said understandingly.
�There are a lot of people ahead of you.�

Ron smiled resentfully.

�Here we are,� Soderbergh called out breathlessly pointing to the entrance sign
that read, Safari into Fantasy. �Unfortunately we�ll have to split up and take
two vehicles.�

�Team USA, this way!� Bud Ryan, the American coach, shouted.

Hurriedly the American team boarded the first of two waiting transports.

�I think I�ll ride with Coach Ryan and his team,� Rishard said, throwing Ron,
Hermione and Harry a sneering look.

�I wonder if he actually imagines that will upset any of us?� Ron asked no one
in particular.

When Rishard and the American team were all secured in their vehicle, it
departed.

�Who is driving?� Hermione asked.

�No one,� Soderbergh answered proudly. �This excursion is completely computer
charm controlled. We have a fleet of these vehicles that will escort our
visitors through the park. They take different routes so that other than your
own group, you never see another human during the safari. If you�ll all please
board, your vehicle will depart as soon as the other is completely out of
sight.�

�Aren�t you going with us?� Hermione asked.

�No, unfortunately I must get back to the hotel and make some last minute
arrangements for tomorrow�s competition,� Soderbergh answered apologetically.
�The journey is completely computerized and the vehicles are charmed to locate
and point out the various creatures. I hope you all enjoy your adventure. I�ll
be looking forward to hearing your observations at dinner tonight.�

�Wait for us,� Brian and Debby called out frantically, running to catch up to
the already departed vehicle containing their teammates.

Harry jumped in front of the two students. �You�ll never catch up to them;
besides you can�t get on the transport once it is moving. Can we make room for
two more?� he called out to his team.

Caitlin and Kim scrunched close together and motioned frantically for Debby and
Brian to join them.

�Hurry, take a seat,� Harry said, returning to his own seat next to Hermione.

Brian smiled guiltily to Caitlin and Kim as he and Debby squeezed in next to
them.

�So you two finally came clean with each other,� Kim said, staring knowingly at
the young couple.

Debby blushed. �What are you talking about?� she asked anxiously.

�It was clear that you two were meant to be more than friends,� she declared.
�I think everyone could see it. Is that why you lagged behind; so you could
talk and snog in private?�

�We weren�t snogging,� Brian protested.

�Brian, I�m not mad,� Kim said. �Maybe a little envious, but I�m not angry.�
She hesitated briefly. �But, if you weren�t snogging, then how did you happen
to get Debby�s lip gloss all over your neck and face?�

Debby jerked her head in Brian�s direction, and then turned a vivid red. There
was no denying the incriminating evidence.

�I�m sorry Kim,� Brian pleaded. �I didn�t mean to lead you on or hurt you.
Honestly, I didn�t even recognize that my feelings for Debby went beyond simple
friendship.�

�Don�t apologize,� Kim said sincerely. �I�m happy that you two finally woke up
to your true feelings for each other.�

As they were chatting, their transport began to slowly move. Ron, Hermione and
Harry, who were all sitting behind the driver�s seat, exchanged anxious looks.
It was unnerving to be riding in a Muggle type vehicle and watch the steering
wheel turn, yet know there was no one actually driving. For a time they
followed the road, which ran parallel to, and about twenty-five yards from the
security fence.

�Isn�t this the same road that we used to get to the hotel?� Brian questioned
the girls. �If we didn�t get to see any beasts before, what is going to make
this trip any different?�

�That is,� Kim answered, her voice shaking as she pointed to a ramp ahead. �It
looks like we�re going to leave the main road and actually go under the
protective barrier.�

Everyone fell silent as they proceeded down the thirty-degree incline and
entered a torchlight tunnel.

�Do you think we are actually going under the fence?� Hermione asked uneasily.
�How can that be safe?�

�I�m not sure, but it must be,� Harry responded. His hand, however, had
automatically reached for his wand.

The passage continued for some time until finally dim natural light was visible
ahead.

�Are we coming out of the tunnel?� Ron asked nervously.

�Yes and no,� Hermione answered. �It looks like we�re going to remain in this
protective tube, but it appears that we are now above ground.� She looked
around. �We must be in an extremely dense forest. Despite it being mid
afternoon, it�s extremely dark.�

Without warning the speakers implanted in their headrests came to life. �Please
relax, you are completely secure. For your safety and to avoid any accidents
all wands have been temporary deactivated.�

Hermione and Harry exchanged uneasy looks. No matter how safe they might
actually be, neither was fond of the thought that their wands would not
function.

Hermione grasped Harry�s hand and as he looked in her direction, she indicated
the top of the transparent tunnel. They both glanced at Ron, who fortunately
was looking straight ahead.

Suddenly there was a scream, then another and another. Spiders, Not tiny
spiders like those Hermione had noted, but spiders the size of carthorses,
eight-eyed, eight-legged, black, hairy gigantic spiders were thudding down onto
their protective tube.

�Harry, they can see us,� Hermione screamed. �They�re trying to get to us.�

The students, both male and female were screaming in panic, trying to undo
their restraints and escape the vehicle that now seemed to be moving ahead at
an excruciatingly slow speed. Ron�s eyes were closed; sweat was pouring from
every pore of his body.

�Attack of the Acromantula is the first of many adventures you will experience
on your safari today,� the bodiless voice in their headrests announced. �This
beast is believed to be wizard-bred, possibly intended to guard wizard
dwellings or treasure. Despite its near-human intelligence, the Acromantula
cannot be trained and is highly dangerous.�

Hermione wondered how many of the students had calmed enough to hear any of the
informative dialogue.

�This creature originated in Borneo. Its distinctive features include the thick
black hair that covers its body; its leg span, which may reach up to fifteen
feet; its pincers, which produce a distinctive clicking sound when the
Acromantula is excited or angry; and a poisonous secretion.�

The description continued, but most of the listeners were more interested in
the ride moving on than they were in learning more about the beasts. Finally
the tube sloped and the transport was again underground.

�You can open your eyes,� Harry said, nudging Ron.

Ron peeked before slowly opening his eyes. �That was bloody dreadful,� he
cursed. �They should warn people what the hell to expect.�

�Actually, they did have a list posted of the beasts we would see,� Hermione
explained. �But they didn�t make it clear that we�d view them from an entr�e�s
point of view.�

�I�m glad that�s over,� Caitlin sighed. �I thought for awhile there that I�d
pull an Emily and pee my knickers.�

�How could you do that?� Brian asked innocently. �You noticeably don�t have any
on.�

�It�s just a figure of speech,� Caitlin retorted, crossly.

They next encountered a Chimaera before traveling underwater to observe at
close range a Hippocampus and then a group of Kelpies. Once again on dry land,
they visited the Quintaped followed by a Sphinx.

�I think that was the same Sphinx that I bumped into in the maze during the
third task of the Triwizard tournament,� Harry said conversationally.

Hermione was about to comment when a shrill alarm sounded and the vehicle came
to a sudden halt.

�Please remain seated, the safari ride will continue momentarily.�

�I wonder what�s wrong?� Nora asked, gazing concernedly at Dick.

�I doubt that it is anything important,� Dick said. �You have to remember that
this place uses a lot of Muggle technology and Muggle stuff is constantly
breaking down. We�ll probably start back up in a couple of minutes.�

Just then, off in the distance, there was a great flash of light followed by
the sound of a huge explosion. Within seconds the tube in which they were
traveling was filled with a foul smelling smoke. Red lights began to flash on
the ceiling of the tube and their seat restraints suddenly unlocked.

Over the speakers came a loud voice commanding, �Emergency evacuation!
Emergency evacuation! Please follow the arrows to the nearest emergency shelter
immediately!�

�Harry, what are we going to do?� Hermione asked staring at the flashing red
evacuation arrows. �That�s the direction the smoke came from; if we follow the
arrows we�ll be heading in the direction of that explosion.�

End of chapter 23

My thanks go out to my betas for this chapter:�
Lucy, Don, Ken and Mistri-Tonks' Admirer. Please be a good reader and
take the time to review.

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Hogwarts OverExposed - Salazar\'s Return

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters andsituations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but notlimited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and WarnerBros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringementis intended.

Hogwarts OverExposed - Salazar's Return

Chapter Twenty-threeNo Where to Go

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and
situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not
limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner
Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement
is intended.

Chapter Twenty-three

No Where to Go